Hermit Thrush: Echoing Nature

While searching far and wide for creative inspiration can yield interesting results in interior design, sometimes the most meaningful inspiration is closer to home, right in the garden. When it comes to nature-inspired design, the backbone principle of biophilic design, where interiors strive to replicate the calm found outdoors, it can be helpful to be patient when observing nature, allowing the beauty to reveal itself organically.

​The Hermit Thrush, a small bird with powerful musicality, can offer such inspiration, both in its physical appearance and how its lilting, lovely song is often heard before the bird is seen, dialing into multi-sensory awareness, another principle of biophilic design.

​“The Hermit Thrush is one of the most beautiful birds to ever visit my garden,” says WELL and LEED-accredited interior designer Sarah Barnard, “It has long, graceful legs and a round chest with the most elegant patterning,” similar to a California Quail or scaly-breasted munia, also among her favorite birds.

​It is a migrating bird, so chance encounters are elevated by the rarity. “The Hermit Thrush is a migrating visitor (to California), and so it's a wonderfully special time when they appear for the first time each year,” says Barnard.

​It’s a small bird, generally about six to seven inches high, with a rich brown body and wings that flutter in flight. It likes forested areas primarily, and often lingers in dense underbrush or on the forest floor to forage for food. During feeding, it sometimes uses ‘foot quivering’ where its foot hovers over the ground and shakes grass and plant matter out for insects and other food.

​The Hermit Thrush often broadcasts its flute-like song from concealed perches, demonstrating how nature encourages the viewer to be present and to open the senses to experience. It also underscores how subtlety can be more attention-getting than making a commotion.

​Symbolically, the hermit thrush represents stillness. Some find the bird spiritual.

Its song is described by experts as haunting, lyrical, and melancholy, tinged with longing, which makes sense in the context of the legend associated with the small bird.

The Legend of The Hermit Thrush

​The bird’s backstory, The Sacred Song of the Hermit Thrush, is a Native American legend describing how birds got their songs, with hidden lessons about honesty, often passed from parents and elders to children, during teachable moments.

​The story goes that long ago, birds had no songs. The Great Spirit had decided to bestow birds with song and staged a competition among birds to see who would win the gift of song by flying the highest. The Hermit Thrush, tiny compared to many of the other birds, was worried it would not be able to compete. It hid in the feathers of a large eagle, ultimately winning the contest dishonestly. Winning came at an emotional cost, though.

The Hermit Thrush was ashamed and flew deep into the forest to remain hidden in a self-imposed exile, although its song can be heard from a distance: beautiful, introspective, and slightly melancholy, expressing regret.

​The legend says that the Hermit Thrush remains there in hiding, but when it sings, the power and beauty of the song is so strong that all other creatures stop to listen.

How the Hermit Thrush and Its Behaviors Influence Biophilic Design

​The Hermit Thrush can serve as biophilic-influenced inspiration on a couple of levels. First, its rich coloring, elegant details, and textured feathers can be striking when physically replicated or reproduced on patterns, textiles, and other housing goods.

Second, turning inwards and considering some of the behaviors and patient perspectives of the tiny, often hidden, bird, and its nuanced interactions with its natural surroundings can serve as a foundation to try to bring calm.

The Hermit Thrush listens first, before echoing in song into nature. And in today’s digital-first, frenetic world, having the restraint to listen first, speak later is a skill not to be underestimated. Incorporating biophilic design elements, like those inspired by the Hermit Thrush’s habits, can help create a setting in which to be present and intentional.

Here are some examples:

Follow the Cues of Nature

The Hermit Thrush is known for its patience and symbiotic awareness of its surroundings, which ultimately makes its song so powerful and calming. It uses its surroundings to be prominent, rather than competing with them.

In design, an option to replicate this is to follow the cues of nature organically. Instead of creating large focal points,  let nature guide the eye and the design, using the path of light throughout the day for visual variety. Make transitions between spaces subtle, and use colors and material selections that mirror those seen in the local landscape, so the inside feels immersed in the outdoors.

Use the Refuge/Prospect Dynamic

Another principle of biophilic design is the refuge/prospect dynamic. The idea is to strike a balance between safety (shelter) and opportunity (in nature, this may include foraging for food, or similar). The Hermit Thrush is known for singing from concealed spaces, so an option to create that sense of safety is to leverage design elements in interior design, such as with a cozy reading nook, nestled in a corner, with a view to the outside, varying ceiling heights, to promote awareness of space, but with concept of shelter overhead, a window seat, or a covered porch.

Create Space for Stillness

The Hermit Thrush is known for stillness. Create space at home that can promote stillness, presence, and calm. Use calming color palettes, and embrace a digital-free space, where there are no screens, or screens and other tech are concealed. Consider textiles and other decor that absorb sound to allow for quiet. Comfortable furniture can encourage lingering, while having cues for intention, such as having  painting, or journaling materials at hand, can encourage calm.

What all of these design elements, and the habits of the Hermit Thrush demonstrate is that there is inspiration readily available all around; it is often a question of being still, aware, and open to the possibility.

The Hermit Thrush textile in Belgian Linen and organic cotton sateen will be available on the Kale Tree site soon in four colorways! Hermit Thrush is also soon to be available in unpasted wallpaper. For urgent orders, or custom colorways, please contact the studio directly.

Sources:

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Hermit_Thrush/overview

https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/hermit-thrush

https://www.oneidaindiannation.com/the-legend-of-the-hermit-thrush/

Crazy Plant Ladies: Radical Naturalists and Environmental Preservation

As a team comprised of plant collectors and nature lovers, many in the Kale Tree studio are no stranger to the phrase "crazy plant lady." Crazy plant lady has been re-contextualized among plant enthusiasts to describe some of the most influential and admirable environmentalists, naturalists, and plant lovers. Many adopt the term as a point of pride. In the design field, "crazy plant ladies" have paved the way for advances in sustainability with far-reaching effects, including an influence on biophilic and eco-friendly interior design practices. To celebrate a few of these historic figures, we hope to share some information and appreciation for a few notable women.

Diana Beresford-Kroeger

Diana Beresford-Kroger is a medical biochemist, botanist, and author, who uses her range of knowledge to educate and promote environmental preservation. Beresford-Kroeger has advocated for and educated around the medicinal benefits of trees and plant life, sharing information on the benefits and effects of various vegetation for health. To fight climate change, she developed a "bioplan" with tree planting at its foundation, aiming for everyone on earth to plant six native trees over six years in their communities.

Her home arboretum boasts a vast collection of various hardy and rare tree specimens. She is known for freely gifting seeds and saplings to help spread and replant these trees, many of which were used for a range of benefits by indigenous communities before being demolished through colonization.

Some of the more unique theories from her work have foundations in the Celtic belief system she was raised with, and many of the medicinal benefits of plants she has studied are rooted in Celtic traditions, which may also contribute to her profound respect and appreciation for trees. One of her more intriguing beliefs, while disputed, is that the healing benefits of trees are released through their aerosols, offering curative properties when inhaled. Beresford-Kroger often touts the healing benefits of time spent in forests, which she in part attributes to these aerosols. While some desire more support for these claims, many of the benefits of time among trees are widely documented. Her all-encompassing perspective, and impressive scientific research, have made her a widely celebrated figure, offering an expansive view of the power of nature.

Lorrie Otto

Lorrie Otto was an environmentalist, speaker, and author. She advocated against the use of pesticides after being alarmed by dead birds near her Milwaukee home, which paved the way for the nationwide ban on DDTA. 

Otto was a proponent of natural landscaping and biodiversity, speaking against the water waste of lawns and encouraging people to transform their yard spaces that conserve wildlife and their natural habitats.

Her messaging inspired the organization "Wild Ones," a group that promotes sustainable and environmentally friendly landscaping. Nine people founded the group after they attended one of Otto's lectures. As a result, natural landscaping has seen a progressive increase in popularity, making its way to the rule and not the exception in many personal garden spaces. The widespread normalcy and embrace of natural landscaping and its far-reaching positive effects on the environment may often be attributed to Otto's advocacy efforts. 

Beatrix Farrand

Beatrix Farrand was a founding member of the American Society of Landscape architects and the only woman in the original group. In addition to being the first female landscape architect in America, her renowned landscapes appeared in private residences, the White House, and a range of parks, botanic gardens, and campuses.

She advocated for the importance of nature to improve personal well-fare and spoke about the value of public garden spaces. Her work was known for considering the relationship between natural and built spaces, using landscaping techniques to improve aesthetics in architecture. In addition, she was known for her engineering ability, creating intricately designed gardens and often focused on native plantings. Farrand's visionary approach and widely celebrated landscapes helped pave the way for many women in the field.

While countless women have contributed to environmental preservation through their love of nature, these are a few who greatly inspire our studio. Their innovative approach to preserving, celebrating, and sharing nature encourages out-of-the-box thinking and emphasizes the importance of education. A common understanding between these and most "crazy plant ladies" is that we are participating members of our natural environments. Nature is something to be shared, cherished, and preserved. We hope to carry these themes in our studio and share our passion for nature throughout our designs.

Kale Tree + Healthy Home Decor

Butterfly Dreams Bed by Kale Tree.

Inspired by nature, fueled by community, and made with love. At Kale Tree, we aim to uplift the global community through nature-inspired home design. The source of our namesake is a beautiful, dark green shrub with kale-like curly leaves, known as Polyscias guilfoylei. This kale-like tree is resilient and hardy despite its delicate appearance. Like many of us, it takes time to grow but needs little coddling to succeed. The beauty, versatility, and self-sufficiency of this leafy evergreen aptly represents Kale Tree and our mission to promote health and well-being by strengthening our connection to nature, inside and out.

Megalograpga moth. Photo by Sarah Barnard.

Moth Textile by Kale Tree.

Based in Southern California, we believe that our home should reflect what calms and inspires us. We find endless inspiration from the surrounding mountains, beaches, and desert landscapes. Whether it's the California native Matilija Poppy or a coastal Mangrove Tree, we extend our love of nature through thoughtful biophilic home design.

Matilija Poppy. Photo by Sarah Barnard.

Kale Tree is comprised of nature-loving creatives who value community and personal wellness with a shared commitment to conscious, sustainable home design. Founded by WELL- and LEED-accredited interior designer and naturalist Sarah Barnard, Kale Tree aspires to improve accessibility to ethically produced, eco-friendly home decor while making the conscious effort to promote wellness through socially and environmentally responsible home design.

Matilija Poppy Textile - Natural by Kale Tree.

We believe that individual wellness is directly connected to nature. Biophilic home decor has the potential to evoke similar mood-boosting effects to spending time outdoors. Our studio understands the importance of uplifting the well-being of each other and places equal value on lasting environmental health. Working from a cosmopolitical standpoint, we aim to uplift our community through closeness to nature by designing our products with conscious intent, considering the environment at every stage of our production process.

Mallow Textile in Dusty Dawn by Kale Tree.

Natural and Organic Fibers

Natural fibers provide a unique tactile experience and biodegrade more naturally over time. Kale Tree offers products made from natural and organic materials, including textiles made from Belgian Linen, New Zealand Wool rugs, and furniture made from sustainable hardwoods.

Mangrove Rug by Kale Tree.

Vegan Choices

As naturalists and animal lovers, we understand the importance of choosing products that align with your values. All of our area rugs are available in Bamboo Silk, a vegan fiber with a soft sheen derived from bamboo plants. Our textiles and wallpapers are made from cruelty-free plant-derived materials.

Mallow Wallcovering in Midnight Forest by Kale Tree.

FSC certified Hardwoods

Our furniture is handcrafted in Los Angeles from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) hardwoods. FSC certification ensures that the hardwoods we use are sourced in an environmentally responsible manner to help support sustainable forest management.

Matilija Poppy Wallpaper - Putty by Kale Tree.

Greenguard Gold Certified

We believe that a healthy home is a happy home. Kale Tree's PVC-free, low-VOC wallcoverings help maintain healthy indoor air quality and are Greenguard Gold Certified.

California native Lupine and Salvia. Photo by Sarah Barnard.

Kale tree works closely with a team of like-minded artists, designers, and artisans from diverse backgrounds to create healthful, ethically produced goods inspired by the intersection of art, design, and nature. All goods are made with love and designed with the intent to bring beauty, health, and joy to you and your home.

Matilija Poppies: A Fried Egg(less) Dream

There is really nothing on flower earth quite like the Matilija Poppy. While, yes, there are other wonderful poppies that are full of ruffle-y delight—- this one is no typical clump of California poppies. When well established, this glory of blooms and buds can grow to 8 feet tall with endless flowers, each nearly 5 inches across!

I’ve always admired this plant on walks around Los Angeles neighborhoods, seeing it wild and free taking over suburban gardens. I’ve planted it in my garden primarily on sunny slopes and found that perhaps because of Southern California’s incredible summer heat, it does surprisingly well in areas partly shaded by trees.

I purchased my 4-inch and 1-gallon starter plants from La Crescenta Nursery in the Oakmont neighborhood of Glendale, Theodore Payne Foundation in Sun Valley and Hahamonga Native Plant nursery in Pasadena, CA.

The Matilija Poppy or Romneya coulteri is known for stabilizing slopes because of its creeping root stalks or rhizomes. It’s also known for being challenging to remove so consider your planting location carefully.

Initially, I incorrectly assumed that Matilija was a Spanish word, resulting in a long-time mispronunciation!

In fact, Matilija comes from the word "Mat'ilha", a Chumash village once located in what is now referred to as Ventura and Santa Barbara County. Currently in development is the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center “being built to celebrate Chumash heritage, share the tribe’s history, and educate visitors about the rich culture of the first people of the area. The Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center will also advance the legacy of the Chumash environmental stewardship and keep ancient sustainability traditions alive by seeking to become one of the first LEED-certified tribal museums in the United States.”

I enjoy photographing the giant white flowers and golden pom-pom centers almost as much as I enjoy growing them.

They shape shift through the season, their distinctive silver grey leaves remaining long after the flowers have gone.

Our team has been developing a special collection of textiles, wallpapers and area rugs inspired by the beauty of the Matilija Poppy. Soon to be released in five colorways; natural, midnight, petal, putty and bluestone.

Sarah Barnard is a WELL and LEED accredited designer and creator of environments that support mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah's work has been recognized by Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Real Simple, HGTV and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was recognized as a "Ones to Watch" Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).